How To Make Simple Chocolate Fondue

Jump to Recipe

Chocolate fondue is one of our favourite special occasion desserts. It is a fun interactive dessert that brings everyone around the table. Or can be put out as a party food to be snacked on all night!

We typically have this, simple chocolate fondue, for New Year’s Eve. Everyone looks forward to this tradition. They love getting involved with what accompaniments are going to go with it.

This super simple chocolate fondue consists on only a few simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now. It doesn’t have any alcohol so it is safe for the kids to enjoy.

This recipe is gluten-free, as long as you also stick with gluten-free accompaniments.

Melting the Chocolate

Chocolate fondue is a warm chocolate dip. It is kept hot by either a fondue pot or a small crockpot. These are the best options for keeping the fondue melted and dippable, while also letting it be placed on a table to be snacked on for a longer period of time. If the fondue is left to cool it will harden. So how to keep it hot?

Fondue pot with a flame

For this type of pot, you will need to use a water bath or the chocolate may burn. If your fondue pot is heated this way, it likely will have a way for you to make a water bath.

To do this, light the flame underneath the pot. Place water in the pot that will be right over top of the flame. Fill the water so when you place the bowl over top, the water will be close but not touching the bowl. Place the chocolate mixture in the top bowl.

This will allow the hot water to keep the chocolate hot and melted, and not a direct heat source.

Electric fondue pot

This type of fondue pot will have heat settings on it. For chocolate you will need to heat it on the lowest setting, or according to the instructions of your pot.

Crockpot

This is also a great option to keep your chocolate fondue warm. Turn your pot to the lowest setting or the longest time setting. Place the fondue inside and it will be hot enough to keep it warm and melted.

Can you freeze chocolate fondue?

Yes! Making the chocolate mixture in advance, and storing it for later use, is a great way to get a head start on your fondue, especially if you are planning it for a party and need to prepare food in advance.

When you are ready to use it, melt the chocolate mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is melted again.

Can you save left-over fondue?

The short answer is yes. Keep the unused fondue covered in the freezer or refrigerator. However, since fondue is meant to dip items into, there is a high change of finding some stray dippers left behind in the fondue.

The best chocolate for fondue

The best chocolate for fondue is your favourite type of chocolate. When you are planning your fondue and the accompaniments make sure the flavours go together. I’m thinking a mint chocolate and fruit dipper may be a little strange. However, mint and marshmallow would be great!

I typically choose chocolate that is very versatile, like a semi-sweet chocolate. This is normally universally loved and goes with just about anything.

You can make your fondue more interesting, if you make it from a chocolate bar. This is particularly popular with Toblerone bars!

When preparing the chocolate make sure to cut it into little chunks for quick and uniform melting. If you are using chocolate chips, you don’t need to worry about this step.

You do not need any special chocolate to make a great chocolate fondue at home. Just try to choose the best quality chocolate that is available to you!

Chocolate fondue Vs. Chocolate fountain

A chocolate fountain is a type of chocolate fondue. It is typically a thinner chocolate that can freely and easily circulate through the fountain.

This recipe is for a fondue pot. It is a thicker mixture of chocolate that coats the dippers in a thick velvety chocolate.

Chocolate Fondue Dippers

Chocolate fondue is pretty versatile. It has a wide array of things you may want to try as dippers.

8 of our favourite chocolate fondue dippers!

Fruit– Strawberries, cherries, bananas, grapes, apples, orange segments. Pretty much any fruit you can spear will be great in a chocolate fondue.

Marshmallow– Chocolate and marshmallow is a match made in heaven. Try using the bigger marshmallows for easier dipping.

Pound cake – Pound cake is great because it is quite dense and will not easily fall apart. Cut the pound cake into bite sized cubes that will be easy to spear and dip into the fondue pot.

Cheese – Some cheese act really well as a dessert type of cheese. Some great choices are aged gouda, and aged cheddar.

Pretzels – Chocolate dipped pretzels, need I say more!

Dried Fruit– These are rich in flavour and will pair well with chocolate. Things like date, apricot, and figs are all great choices.

Biscotti– This is a great dipper, but you will need to use your fingers for this one.

Rice Krispie treats – A childhood favourite that can be cut into bite-sized chunks for a perfect fondue dipper.

Ingredients for Simple Chocolate Fondue

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chocolate of choice)

2 cups mini marshmallows

½ cup 35% cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. Combine all of the ingredients together and melt over low heat.
2. Mix to combine the melted chocolate mixture.
3. Place in a heated fondue pot to keep warm.
4. Serve along side your favourite accompaniments.

Looking for more party foods? These are some of my favourite! Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake Squares, How to make Baked Brie, Easy No-bake Chocolate Haystacks, Simple layered chocolate mint candy